Chamber Day at the Capitol Held
VCEDA was in attendance in mid-January at the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Chamber Day at the Capitol event in Richmond, VA. The state chamber is celebrating 100 years and at the meeting and luncheon heard from Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares and Virginia Chamber President and CEO Barry DuVal.
Miyares talked about the importance of businesses in the Commonwealth, referring to them as “poverty destroyers.” He also spoke about the importance of certainty for business in both regulatory and tax environments. DuVal updated attendees on 2025 priorities including education and workforce development, Right to Work, policies addressing cost and availability of childcare, improvements in housing options as well as innovative energy solutions and diversifying the energy portfolio.
Also discussed at the meeting was work on the Blueprint Virginia 2030 document. DuVal noted the 2025 Chamber Day event was the best attended ever with more than 500 registered from across the state.
State Budget Amendments Submitted to Provide Funds for Virginia Coalfields Expressway
Budget amendments in both the Virginia House and Senate have been submitted for consideration in this session of the General Assembly and if approved, could mean as much as $7.9 million for the Virginia Coalfields Expressway (CFX).
Virginia Coalfields Expressway Authority Executive Director Jonathan Belcher submitted a letter on behalf of the Virginia CFX Authority to the region’s state legislators requesting a state budget amendment to fund additional work on the expressway project.
Seed Capital Grant Approved for The Edison
When Leslie and Geoffrey Crawford first got the idea to renovate a 111-year-old building in downtown Gate City to create a curated venue to host events, corporate meetings and more, they did so with one thought in mind – they wanted to create a space where history meets community and in so doing, The Edison was born.
The Edison, a part of ELH Investments LLC, is a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant. Seed capital grants are funded from regional funds received by VCEDA which are paid by the natural gas industry.
The Edison is located at 115 W Jackson Street in Gate City. The Edison is in Suite 101 of the building. Retail space is ultimately planned for the remainder of the building.
Buchanan IDA Scenic Wildlife Viewing Pullover Study Approved for VCEDA Funds
A preliminary engineering study examining the potential to establish a scenic wildlife viewing pullover on Corridor Q in Buchanan County will be conducted by the Buchanan County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) due to $100,000 in grants approved and closed recently between the IDA and the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA).
An up to $50,000 grant was approved from the VCEDA Tourism Capital Improvement Matching Fund and an up to $50,000 grant was approved from the VCEDA Buchanan County Account. Jointly, they are being used to fund the study and its subsequent preliminary engineering report. The report will focus on determining the best location(s) and estimated costs of the project, with any leftover funding to be applied toward actual construction.
Little Notions Quilt Shop, LLC Approved for Seed Capital Grant
When Stephanie and Blake Little decided to open Little Notions Quilt Shop in Clintwood, VA, they did so with an eye toward offering more variety and options to quilters in the area and for Stephanie to be able to share her love of quilting with others close to home.
Stephanie Little noted they signed a lease in late December on the new storefront location at 165 McClure Avenue in Clintwood and plan to open the shop in the next few weeks.
$50,000 Grant Approved for Jettie Baker Center
An up to a $50,000 grant from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Tourism Capital Improvement Matching Fund to be used to finance the replacement of the marquee sign at the Jettie Baker Center in the Town of Clintwood was closed recently between VCEDA and the town.
The Town of Clintwood owns and operates the Jettie Baker Center — a high-tech, multi-functional performance and events theater venue located at 348 Main Street in downtown Clintwood. As part of its agreement with VCEDA, the town indicated it will match the funding from VCEDA with at least $50,000 from the town.
Revolutionary Market LLC Approved for VCEDA Seed Capital Grant
For Jeff and Rebecca Arrington, of Hiltons, VA, doing what they can to help grow and revitalize their community while at the same time preserving its heritage and culture is important and as such, the Arringtons have worked to establish Revolutionary Market and Community Center — a country store, restaurant and community center all in one location.
LEAD SWVA Launched
VCEDA was pleased to be in attendance for the LEAD SWVA launch last week at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, VA. The new seven-month program being offered through UVA-Wise is accepting applicants now through February 17, 2025. Leadership skill building workshops, travel within the region to visit economic development sites and attractions and a community facing capstone project are among the features of the program. For additional information about the program and how to apply, interested persons may contact UVA-Wise at 276-639-3879. On hand for the launch of the new program last week were, from left, Shannon Blevins, UVA-Wise; Diane Thomas, VCEDA business development specialist; Chancellor Donna Henry, UVA-Wise; Charlotte Mullins, VCEDA marketing ambassador; Richard Johnson and Randy Rose, UVA-Wise.
$4.57 Million in Loans, Grants Approved
Two loans, including one for an as yet unannounced new jobs project and one for an existing business expansion, as well as 13 grants – which all combined totaled $4.57 million — were approved in late November during a meeting of the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority Board in Lebanon, VA.
An up to $3 million loan to the Tazewell County Industrial Development Authority for an as yet unannounced project to be located in the Bluestone Regional Business and Technology Center shell building was the new jobs project approved. The funds will be used for site development, paving, installation of utilities, building construction and upfits as well as for workforce development and training, on-the-job training and/or the purchase of equipment, machinery and tools.
Virginia Economic Summit and Forum on International Trade Held
VCEDA was a sponsor of the early December Virginia Economic Summit & Forum on International Trade held in Richmond, VA. The 2024 forum convened business leaders and industry experts to discuss the connection between energy and economic development, as well as the infrastructure challenges and opportunities in making economic development planning decisions. The event was hosted by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce and featured a welcome by Virginia Chamber President Barry Duvall and Virginia Natural Gas President and CEO Robert Duvall, who is also the chair of the Virginia Chamber board of directors.
Chris Jones, director of Consulting Services, CGI, introduced the morning keynote speaker, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears. Topics covered during the event included the “Economic Impact of Virginia Exports;” a panel discussion with economic development leaders; “Why Virginia? A Perspective From Virginia Business Leaders;” and “The Future of Commerce Is Underway: How Strategic Investments Are Meeting the Needs of What’s to Come in the Supply Chain.” Additional keynote remarks were delivered by Virginia Economic Development Partnership President and CEO Jason El Koubi and U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger.
$100,000 Grant to Breaks Park to Fund Multiple improvements
An up to $100,000 grant from the VCEDA Civil Penalties Fund to be used to develop infrastructure and improvements at the Breaks Interstate Park was closed recently for the park.
Renovation of the park’s potable water tanks, expansion of its gift shop, repairs and/or replacement of the roof and gutters on the chief ranger’s residence, improvements to the park’s amphitheater, maintenance shop repairs and additions and miscellaneous equipment purchases will be funded through the grant.